Stories of Consequence
Why I Give is a series that celebrates the generosity of Washington and Lee University alumni, students, faculty and parents. Discover the many reasons the W&L community supports Leading Lives of Consequence: The Campaign for Washington and Lee and how philanthropy shapes the university’s future while honoring its enduring value.
“We benefited from those who came before us, and we owe it to the current students to ensure that W&L is still a special place.” - Carrie Jennings Holloway ’90, P’18
What inspired you to make your first gift to Washington and Lee University, and what motivates you to continue giving?
When I graduated Washington and Lee, I had a job at First Union National Bank in their commercial lending program, and they had a matching gift program. I'd never heard of that, but it was pretty cool that I wrote a check for $50, and so did they. So, my first gift was right after graduation for $100, and that's when I learned the beauty of the matching gifts and giving back to W&L.
What keeps me giving is the magic that we had as students and how fortunate we were to have been here for four years in this system of honor, integrity and the speaking tradition. When you get out in the real world, you realize those things are rare.
How do you hope your support impacts current and future generations of W&L students?
The W&L network has helped me professionally and personally, and when I think of the future generations, I want them to have that same alumni network. I think we all benefited from those who came before us, and we owe it to the current students and those who come after to ensure that Washington and Lee is still this special place.
Is there a particular experience, faculty member or program at W&L that played a meaningful role in your decision to give back?
I was a journalism major, and the professors were characters—they really taught us the value of discerning the truth. A great example of that was when Senator Gary Hart was running for president. He had to drop out of the race because he was caught having an affair with [former Miss South Carolina World] Donna Rice, and she was not getting very favorable press coverage. In my journalism ethics class, our professor came in with a woman wearing a hat, sunglasses and fake teeth. She took off the disguise, and it was Donna Rice, and we had the opportunity to hear her side of the story. We had the opportunity as students to ask her questions. It really hammered home the point of there are multiple sides to every story, and you owe it to yourself to read from all sources and discern the truth.
Watch Carrie Jennings Holloway’s Why I Give video interview.
Read more from the Why I Give series.